An acute, infectious, and often fatal viral disease of most warm-blooded animals, especially wolves, cats, and dogs, that attacks the central nervous system and causes inflammation of the brain. It is transmitted by the bite of infected animals and is transmittable to humans.

The virus itself can take up to a month to fully grow. With that said, once your cat starts showing symptoms the virus progresses rapidly. Once symptoms appear and if not treated rapidly and immediately, it is very hard to turn around. Symptoms of this deadly virus include:

fevers

paralysis

seizures

can’t swallow

aggression

salivation (in excess, or more than usual)

constant mood changes

If your cat has been bitten or scratched due to a fight or you see any open wound and you suspect your cat received this from another animal outdoors, please bring him to our vet immediately to be checked over. This acts as a preventative measure because if your cat did receive the virus from an un-vaccinated animal, you would have caught it before it got very severe. Your cat’s chances would be better if he did in fact have the virus. (You should do this whether your cat has been vaccinated or not.)

In Florida, it is required that every cat must have a rabies vaccination. Not only is a rabies shot a preventative measure for your cat, it is also a safety measure for you and your family and friends (as well as any other animal your cat may come into contact with). As a note, it is also the law to have your cat, dog or ferret vaccinated for this disease. This vaccine is done on a yearly basis. By law, your pet does not need to wear a rabies vaccination tag, but you as the owner do need to have record of it being given.

Call us and make an appointment for your cat’s rabies vaccine. We are a low cost vaccination pet hospital.